In one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament so far, Elke Karsten's 11 goals helped Argentina to claim a somewhat surprising win against Austria and make a step towards the main round, as both teams are now on two points after two games. 

GROUP H
Austria vs Argentina 29:31 (14:18)

Argentina's right back Luciana Mendoza scored three goals in the first 10 minutes, as her team went in front 2:0 and then 4:2. And although Austria drew level a few times, the South Americans continued to dominate.

Their defence held the opponents back, and goalkeeper Marisol Carratu not only made several saves, but also spectacularly scored from her own half to put Argentina into a 10:8 lead.

Austria, whose four important players were sidelined because of positive COVID-19 tests already before the opening match against PR of China, lost one more player as Josefine Huber was also tested positive, and obviously that did not raise their spirits. 

The European side lacked accuracy, converting only 54% of their shots in the first half. Between minutes 15 and 25, they could not score at all, and thanks to goals by Elke Karsten and Rosario Urban, Argentina used a 5:0 run to take a 15:9 lead. And while Austria improved their attack before the break, their opponents still enjoyed a four-goal lead at half-time. 

"I'm happy because we beat a European team at the World Championship for the first time in history. It's a pity that COVID-19 hit Austria so hard, but we proved that we can do a lot of things with sacrifice and hard work," Argentina's coach Eduardo Gallardo said after the game.
 
Karsten's string of goals helped Argentina to restore a six-goal lead at 22:16. However, then Austria enjoyed a good spell, as goals by Katarina Pandza and Patricia Kovacs helped them to close the gap to 22:24 midway through the second half.

Just like in the opening game against Spain, Argentina started to look tired in the final 20 minutes, but a few spectacular saves by Carratu and another goal from the own half, this time from Karsten, gave them some extra energy to lead 30:25 five minutes before the final whistle.

Yet, Austria had more power left late in the match and showed character. They closed the gap to 29:30 and had a chance to draw level, but shots by Kovacs and Klara Schlegel were saved by the goalkeeper. And following a time-out, Graciela Garcia scored the last goal of the game four seconds from the buzzer to make Argentina jump and sing for joy. 

hummel Player of the Match: Elke Karsten, Argentina

Photo: RFEBM / J. L. Recio